7-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari | Gorillas, Chimps & Big 5

A 7-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari | Gorillas, Chimps & Big 5. The 7-day Rwanda safari typically offers a “Best of Rwanda” experience, combining gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, and wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park. Prices often range from $3,900 to over $4,600 per person depending on luxury levels, usually including transport, guides, and accommodation.

A 7-day self-drive safari in Rwanda offers a compact, thrilling route covering Akagera’s savannah, Nyungwe’s chimpanzees, and Volcanoes National Park’s gorillas. A 4×4 vehicle is essential for navigating steep, paved, and gravel roads. Ideal itineraries include driving to Akagera for game drives, heading south for primates, and concluding with wildlife in the north.

7-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Transfer. Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), meet your guide, and transfer to your hotel or directly toward Akagera.
  • Day 2: Akagera National Park. Morning game drive for lions, elephants, and giraffes; afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema.
  • Day 3: Game Drive & Transfer. Final morning game drive in Akagera before traveling to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
  • Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk. Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest followed by an afternoon canopy walk.
  • Day 5: Lake Kivu. Transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation, a boat cruise, or a visit to local coffee plantations.
  • Day 6: Volcanoes National Park. Scenic drive from Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze.
  • Day 7: Gorilla Trekking & Departure. Morning gorilla trekking (or golden monkey tracking), followed by a return to Kigali for departure.

7-Day Self-Drive Safari Details

  • Accommodation: Options range from budget to luxury lodges located near park headquarters.
  • Included Activities: Gorilla trekking (requires a $1,500 permit), chimp tracking, canopy walk, boat trips, and game drives.
  • Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (mid-December to February, and June to September) make trekking easier.
  • Key Rwanda National Parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park.